May 28, 2026

Tracy Dahl to Receive Order of Manitoba

Internationally renowned coloratura soprano Tracy Dahl, C.M., is one of 12 Manitobans who will be receiving an Order of Manitoba on July 16. 

The Order of Manitoba is the province’s highest honour and recognizes Manitobans who have demonstrated excellence and achievements that enrich the social, cultural, or economic well-being of the province and its residents. It was established in 1999. 

“The 12 exceptional Manitobans being inducted into the Order of Manitoba this year epitomize what makes Manitoba so special,” said Lieutenant Governor Anita Neville, chancellor of the order, who will preside over the ceremony which will take place at the Legislative Building. “From world-class athletes and gifted musicians to compassionate community leaders and brilliant medical and scientific minds, their diverse achievements reflect the extraordinary breadth of talent, dedication and service across our province.” 

Tracy Dahl has established a career as one of Canada’s most renowned international operatic artists, having performed with every major Canadian orchestra and opera company, and appearing all over the world. She is also a sought-after vocal teacher, nurturing future generations of artists across the country. 

In the early 1980s, Tracy was a cast member in Manitoba Opera’s Opera in the Schools program. She made her mainstage debut with the company as Barbarina in the 1982 production of The Marriage of Figaro and has been in 14 productions since. Her most recent appearance was as Despina in the 2024 production of Così fan tutte. 

Tracy’s fellow honourees are Andrew Harris, Chantal Kreviazuk, C.M., Jocelyne Larocque, Dr. Peter MacDonald, Ash Modha, Brian Pallister, Dr. Joss Reimer, Diane Roussin, M.S.M., Elder Bille Schibler, Dr. Lotfollah Shafai, O.C., and Douglas Stephen.  

Brava Tracy! 

May 7, 2026

Larry Desrochers Wins 2026 Manitoba Arts Award of Distinction

MANITOBA ARTS COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE:

Winnipeg, MB – The Manitoba Arts Council is pleased to announce that Larry Desrochers is the winner of the 2026 Manitoba Arts Award of Distinction. This $30,000 prize is awarded annually to a professional artist or arts/cultural professional in recognition of the highest level of artistic excellence and contribution to the development of the arts in Manitoba.

Beyond his impressive 25-year tenure as general director & CEO of Manitoba Opera, Larry has also worked as a producer and administrator in theatre, festivals, film, and large-scale cultural events, often at the forefront of significant change in Canada’s arts and culture sector.

Larry was the inaugural executive director of the Winnipeg Fringe Festival, which has become the second largest of its kind in North America. He was a founding board member of Manitobans for the Arts, an organization that advocates for arts, culture, and heritage in Manitoba. Larry also produced and directed the 1999 Pan American Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies, the largest live-broadcast outdoor stadium event in Canadian history at the time.

His accolades include receiving the University of Winnipeg’s Distinguished Alumni Award, the Winnipeg Arts Council’s Making a Difference Award, the Winnipeg Film Group’s Lifetime Honorary Membership, Opera America’s Distinguished Service Award, and the Opera Canada Ruby Award.

“Thank you to the Manitoba Arts Council for this honour. It is a privilege to be included among past recipients who have contributed so significantly to Manitoba’s cultural life. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work alongside many talented artists, staff, volunteers, crew, board members, and supporters, and I accept this award in recognition of collaborative spirit and bold creativity of Manitoba’s arts community,” said Larry Desrochers.

“Larry has shown, time and again, that the arts can bring people together, spark dialogue, celebrate heritage, and create empathy; and that leadership rooted in integrity and compassion can have a transformative effect far beyond any one organization,” said Robert Vineberg, Larry’s nominator.

“Congratulations to Larry Desrochers, as this year’s recipient of the Manitoba Arts Award of Distinction,” said Manitoba’s Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Nellie Kennedy.

“Larry’s work in arts leadership has been integral in shaping the landscape of arts and culture in Manitoba, and his legacy will have a lasting impact on the people of Manitoba.”

“MAC is so pleased to honour Larry Desrochers with the 2026 Manitoba Arts Award of Distinction,” said Katarina Kupca, Chair of the Manitoba Arts Council. “Over the course of his career, Larry has defined what it means to be an arts leader in its truest form. He has demonstrated innovation, responsibility, advocacy, and most importantly, a philosophy of putting Manitoba artists first.”

The nominations for this award were reviewed by a multidisciplinary panel of peers who make their decision based on the artistic excellence of the candidate’s work and their contribution to the development of the arts in Manitoba. Previous Award of Distinction recipients include Ken Gregory (2025), Jennine Krauchi (2024), Di Brandt (2023), Daina Warren (2022), and Alan Greyeyes (2020).

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The Manitoba Arts Council is an arm’s-length agency of the Province of Manitoba, established in 1965 “to promote the study, enjoyment, production and performance of works in the arts.” MAC makes awards to professional arts organizations and individuals in all art forms including theatre, literature, dance, music, painting, sculpture, architecture or the graphic arts, and includes other similar creative or interpretative activity, including arts education.

For more information, please contact:
Elyse Saurette, Communications Coordinator
Manitoba Arts Council
esaurette@artscouncil.mb.ca
(204) 945-0646

Apr 9, 2026

MOZART’S MASTERPIECE, THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO, CLOSES 2025/26 SEASON – April 18, 22, 24

Mozart’s comic masterpiece The Marriage of Figaro (Le nozze di Figaro) will close Manitoba Opera’s 2025/26 season with three performances April 18, 22, and 24 at the Centennial Concert Hall. Limited tickets remain for this iconic opera that takes place over one crazy day – the wedding day of Susanna and Figaro. For tickets, go to mbopera.ca/204-944-8824.

Mozart’s great ensemble comedy features a colourful cast of characters and a whirlwind of tricks, disguises, and mistaken identities. It is set to some of the most exquisite music ever composed. The witty and intricate plot of Mozart’s beloved opera takes place over the course of one day as Susanna and Figaro, servants to the Count and Countess Almaviva, attempt to keep their wedding day from being sidelined.

From the famous overture to the finale and the Count’s lesson in marital fidelity, this social commentary on class and love unfolds with brilliant music, memorable melodies, and heart-breaking tenderness as the characters ponder young love, lost love, and forgiveness.